Wiz
for info, managed to paste exact wording (use the tenner for a beer will you otherwise I might think you are a bit of a skinflint)
What is a fire safety sign? (regulation 2)
90 A fire safety sign is defined in regulation 2(1) as:
a sign (including an illuminated sign or an acoustic signal) which:
(a) provides information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire;
(b) provides information on the identification or location of fire-fighting equipment; or
(c) gives warning in case of fire.
When are fire safety signs required?
91 Duties on employers to provide these signs will mostly arise from the Fire
Precautions Act 1971 and other fire legislation. The effect here of the Safety
Signs Regulations will in most cases be to describe the types of sign which may
be used. Often the enforcing authority for fire safety will determine where to
locate the signs (eg if a fire certificate is required). In other cases employers will
need to provide signs depending on the outcome of their assessment of risks to
health and safety (see paragraphs 12-15). If changes to existing signs are
proposed and a fire certificate is in force, check first with your enforcing
authority responsible for issuing the certificate.
Fire alarms
105 The aim of a fire alarm is to ensure that people in the workplace are
alerted to any outbreak of fire well before it becomes life threatening. The
warning system sets in motion a planned routine for evacuating the premises.
106 Fire alarms are included in the term .acoustic signal.. The definition in
the Regulations is .a coded sound signal which is released and transmitted by
a device designed for that purpose, without the use of a human or artificial
voice.. In practice it is important that the acoustic signal for a fire alarm:
(a) has a sound level considerably higher than the level of ambient noise so
that the warning signal can be heard throughout the workplace (see also
paragraph 71);
(b) is easily recognisable and distinct from other acoustic signals and ambient
noise; and
(c) is continuous for evacuation (but see also paragraph 112).
107 The method of giving warning of fire will vary from workplace to
workplace. However, it needs to be suitable for the premises. In some cases,
such as small workplaces, the fire alarm may consist of manually operated
sounders (eg rotary gongs or handbells). In larger workplaces it may take the
form of an electrical fire-warning system (eg conforming to BS 5839 Fire
detection and alarm systems in buildings).
108 The Regulations permit incorporation of a public address system with the
warning signal, which may also be accompanied by an illuminated sign (eg a
flashing light).
Guidance
109 Experience has shown that good notation is a particularly effective aid to
safe and speedy evacuation. Therefore, in workplaces where members of the
public are present, it can be a significant help if the warning signal for evacuation
is supplemented by use of the public address system to give clear and concise
instructions. To be effective, messages will normally need to be prepared in
advance and in some cases in appropriate languages. The fire warning system
needs to activate this message. Ideally this will cancel any amplified music,
soundtrack or other announcements. Similarly, if a public address system is used
to transmit the alarm signal, or can be incorporated with the signal, it will need to
take priority and override other facilities of the system. Further information is
given in BS 5839. In addition BS 7443 Specification for sound systems for emergency
purpose11 provides advice on sound systems for emergency purposes.
110 Ensure that a sounder, or loudspeaker of a public address system, is not
located in such a position that communication with the fire brigade is hindered,
eg too near a reception area from which the emergency call may be made.
111 Many fire warning systems are single stage, ie when the alarm sounds
simultaneous evacuation takes place. However, some large workplaces may
have a two-stage warning system.
112 In these systems a continuous evacuation signal is given in certain parts
of the workplace, ie those near the origin of the fire, while an intermittent or
alert signal meaning .stand-by. is received elsewhere. These systems allow a
progressive or phased evacuation of the workplace so that congestion along
emergency escape routes is minimised.
113 If a staged fire warning system is being considered it is advisable to check
with your enforcing authority for fire safety before installation.
114 Your enforcing authority for fire safety (see paragraph 115) may specify
certain maintenance requirements for your tire warning system, but in general all
fire alarms will need to be regularly maintained. This is necessary to ensure they
work properly and can be heard throughout the workplace. For manually operated
sounders (see paragraph 107) this is a relatively simple task where the necessary
general skills could well be .in-house.. With respect to electrical fire warning
systems, however, it is important that they are serviced by someone who is
competent to carry out the work; that is, someone with the appropriate skills,
qualifications and/or experience. Your installer may be able to advise about
necessary maintenance, alternatively contact your enforcing authority for fire safety.
Enforcing authority for fire safety
115 Further advice on the application of these Regulations to fire safety signs
can be obtained from your enforcing authority for fire safety, that is, from fire
officers, environmental health officers or building control officers of local
authorities, or in cases where the Fire Certificates (Special Premises)
Regulations 1976 apply(a), HSE inspectors.
Information, instruction and training
116 Ensure that your employees fully understand the meaning of fire safety
signs in the workplace and how to give warning in case of fire. Supervisors and
others who have been given particular responsibility in an emergency need to
be clear about the action to take if the fire alarm is sounded.
(a) These Regulations deal with the provision of fire certificates at certain specified premises
and are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.
Hope this solves the puzzle!
davo
